WHEREAS the use of outdoor solid fuel burning boilers, also known as outdoor wood boilers, outdoor wood furnaces, or outdoor wood-fired hydronic heaters, has increased in recent years; AND WHEREAS the exposure to Particulate Matter PM 2.5, including smoke, can cause short-term health effects such as eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath and long-term exposure may be associated with increased rates of bronchitis, reduced lung function, and increased cancer risk; AND WHEREAS there are currently no consumer reports or performance standards on outdoor boilers; AND WHEREAS federal and provincial governments are encouraging local governments to prevent the installation of high-polluting outdoor solid fuel burning appliances before their use becomes widespread: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government work together with local governments and the manufacturers of outdoor solid fuel burning boilers to reduce emissions from outdoor solid fuel burning boilers.
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT The Ministry of Environment is continuing to work on initiatives to reduce emissions associated with residential wood heating. The 2007 throne speech committed to development of a province-wide woodstove exchange program. It is anticipated that this initiative will lead to substantial emission reductions for woodstoves and fire place inserts. Environment Canada has been working toward developing national regulatory requirements for domestic wood heating appliances including outdoor boilers. The Province of British Columbia Province has been involved in this initiative, however progress has been slow. The Province will continue to work with local government, the federal government and industry to continue to reduce emissions associated with residential wood heating.